Asian Americans
Asian Americans are facing discrimination and racism at large in recent months, and this stress may be amplified by the general lack of mental healthcare. Here, we hope to provide some helpful resources as well as some actionable ways to improve the mental health of struggling Asian Americans.
Addiction & Mental Health Support for Asian Americans
Although Asian Americans experience the lowest rates of substance abuse, that does not mean they are unaffected by it. In fact, according to SAMHSA, 3.7% of Asian Americans 18 and older reported struggling with substance abuse in the last year. Only 0.1% of Asian Americans reported receiving treatment for substance abuse. Studies suggest that Asian Americans are more likely to hide the abuse and suffer in silence until the consequences of their addiction no longer allow them to do so.
This disparity can be attributed in part to language and cultural barriers. Mental health is often considered a taboo topic in many Asian cultures. Because of this, Asian Americans are more likely to turn to loved ones or religious leaders rather than professional services. Studies show that there is a general lack of culturally competent resources available to Asian American communities. And even when those services do exist, there is very little accessibility.
Crisis Lines
Call 1-877-990-8585, (Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Fujianese are offered).
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-8255 / More than 150 languages are offered.
Treatment Directories
National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
This organization provides links and connections to therapists who are QTPOC-fluent.
A directory of South Asian mental health workers that provides a locator tool to find a South Asian therapist near you.
Asian Counseling and Referral Services
The ACRS works to promote the visibility, inclusion, and equality of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in America.
Organizations and Foundations
The Asian American Drug Abuse Program
A non-profit organization dedicated to preventing substance abuse among Asian American youth, as well as promote substance abuse recovery services among Asian Americans.
Together Empowering Asian Minds
An organization working to engage, educate and empower Asian Americans with culturally relevant resources and peer support in order to destigmatize seeking help for mental health problems.
This organization provides support to victims of gender-based violence and helps them to find recovery and freedom from trauma.
This group works to reduce the stigma of mental illness among Asian Americans and provide actionable solutions that can lead someone toward recovery from mental illness.
A non-profit organization that works to improve access to healthcare, both physical and mental, for Asian Women in America.
National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association
The NAAPIMHA works to promote mental healthcare among all Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Online Platforms & Communities
The website of Ji-Youn Kim, she works to use therapeutic techniques in a social context and uses the concept of justice-focused therapy as a guiding light for seminars, coaching, and workshops.
A movement to remove the stigma of LGBTQ within the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
A community hub for Asian American women to improve their own personal mental health and wellness as well as that of their communities.
A Buddhist-inspired addiction recovery fellowship that hosts dozens of meetings online each day.
Modern Health Circle Series – Healing Asian Communities
A set of group discussions focused on Asian mental health and wellness.
Asian Mental Health Collective
An organization that aims to reduce the stigma of mental health within Asian communities.
Podcasts
A look at the crossroads between Asian Americans and mental health with open discussions about the reality of mental healthcare among Asian communities.
A look at Asian American mental health from a man raised in America by an Asian family.
The HAM podcast covers a very wide range of issues, including mental health and wellness for Asian Americans.
Hosts Youngmi and Brian talk about romance, dating, and life as Asian Americans in this diverse and colorful podcast.
A look at the stereotypes that Asian Americans adhere to with regard to career choice. Host Dominic Zhai provides insight and some creative avenues for unconventional career options.
Pearls of Wisdom from Cold Tea Collective
This podcast shares the stories, struggles, and victories of Asian American entrepreneurs.
A podcast about the challenges faced by gay Asian American men in society today.
Stories of Stigma – South Asian Mental Health
A hub for South Asians, by South Asians to help improve mental health and wellness.
Videos
Articles
An Asian American’s Language of Mental Health – Empowerment and Understanding Through Conversation
A look at the language and communication barriers for some Asian Americans and learning about their own mental healthcare.
The Asian American Racial Justice Toolkit
Self-Care Tips For Asian Americans Dealing With Racism Amid Coronavirus
Helpful tips from therapists and clinicians for Asian Americans who may be struggling to cope with rampant racism in the wake of COVID-19.
New Generation of Asian-American Women are Fighting to Normalize Mental Health Treatment
A look at Asian American women who are overcoming the cultural stigma of mental health issues and spreading the word about getting help when you need it.
Social Media Follows
Hieu Pham, LCSW
A licensed therapist, her Instagram posts highlight the importance of mental healthcare.
Asians for Mental Health
An account run by Clinical Psychologist & speaker Jenny Wang, Ph.D., highlighting health & wellness, Asian American identity, mental health, social justice, and therapy options.
The Allied Minds Co.
A community dedicated to improving awareness about mental health and social justice.
The Mind Health Spot
Run by Clinical Psychology graduate Laura Lu, this Instagram page discusses mental wellness, education, and advocacy with an emphasis on Asian Americans.
Exploring Therapy
Run by online therapist Dr. Therese, this Instagram contains posts about mental health, travel, and remote work wellness.
Mental Health CEO
Mental health coach Ron Yap shares his tips and expertise.
Alyssa Marie Wellness
A psychotherapist advocating for social justice and mental health.
Mind and Me
A community-run by Harvard graduate student Vaishali for the purposes of mental health awareness and psychoeducation.